Life
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We summarize the week's scientific breakthroughs every Thursday.
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PaleontologyDinosaurs died of rickets
After more than 80 years, a theory that too little vitamin D led to the demise of the dinos still awaits a shred of evidence.
By Science News -
LifeWeevils evolved nut-and-screw joint
Insects invented hardware way back in dinosaur days.
By Susan Milius -
LifeLife
The perils of insect enslavement, bats’ hairy flight and crustacean-inspired optics in this week’s news.
By Science News -
LifeAlzheimer’s plaques due to purging flaw
A gene controls the clearance of a protein that accumulates in the brains of people with the condition.
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AnimalsLionfish no match for big groupers
Despite its invasive success, the lionfish can't withstand grouper appetites.
By Janet Raloff -
LifeTasmanian devil genomes offer some hope, few answers
While clues to combating the infectious cancer that's threatening the species remain elusive, the completion of two genetic blueprints reveals a low but stable genetic diversity.
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LifeNew gene therapy fixes mistakes
For the first time scientists have repaired a damaged gene in a living mouse.
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LifeGenes & Cells
Self-sufficient pancreatic cells, tingly spinal cells and vitamin D for gum disease in this week’s news.
By Science News -
LifeBlue light used to treat diabetes
Illumination triggers control of blood sugar in mice implanted with engineered human cells.
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PaleontologyBig dinosaurs kept their cool
Body temperature of long-gone beasts resembled that of mammals, study of fossil teeth suggests.